Visa requirements

China

General visa requirements for travelling to China. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Work / Immigration visa (R Visa - Talent Visa (High-Level Foreign Talent))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
180 days
Processing time
4 business days (can be expedited to 2 working days)
Fee
$30 USD (varies by nationality; US: $185)
Validity
Multiple entry: 5-10 years
Entry
Multiple entry

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to nationals of all countries who qualify as high-level talent

  • Employment

    Must be recognized as high-level talent by a Chinese inviting organization. Categories: scientists, technology leaders, international entrepreneurs, specialists with unique skills, and high-skilled workers in 'high-end, precision, sophisticated and talent-desiring' domains.

    Required status: Recognized high-level talent

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Color photo, 33mm x 48mm, white background, bare-head, full face, taken within past 6 months

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA); Form url: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn

  • Extraordinary ability evidence

    Accepted categories: Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents issued by the Chinese organization. Qualifying evidence includes: national talent program participation, Nobel Prize or equivalent awards, Academy of Science/Engineering membership, professorship at top-200 university, senior management at Fortune Global 500, or other recognized high-level achievements.; Evidence items required: 1

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    The Chinese inviting organization applies online for the Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents. Processing takes approximately 5 working days.

  2. Online application

    Complete COVA form selecting R visa category.

  3. Document submission

    Submit passport, COVA form, photo, Confirmation Letter, and supporting credentials at CVASC or Embassy/Consulate.

  4. Processing wait

    Standard: 4 business days. Can be expedited to 2 working days for R visa applicants.

  5. Visa collection

    Collect passport with R visa (5 or 10-year multiple entry).

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (K Visa - STEM Talent Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
To be determined
Fee
Fee details to be published (effective October 1, 2025)
Validity
Details to be published by embassies (expected to offer extended validity and multiple entries)
Entry
Single entry

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to nationals of all countries meeting STEM talent criteria

  • Age

    Targeted at 'young' science and technology talent - specific age thresholds to be published by embassies

  • Employment

    STEM graduates with at least a bachelor's degree from recognized universities/research institutions, OR young professionals engaged in education or research at such institutions. No employer sponsorship required.

    Required status: STEM graduate or researcher

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA); Form url: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn

  • Degree attestation

    Attesting authority: University or research institution in STEM field; Must be apostilled: No

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete COVA application selecting K visa category (available from October 1, 2025).

  2. Document submission

    Submit documents at CVASC or Embassy/Consulate. Detailed document list to be published.

  3. Processing wait

    Processing times to be determined.

  4. Visa collection

    Collect passport with K visa.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Z Visa - Work Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
4 business days (Category A may receive expedited processing)
Fee
$30 USD (varies by nationality; US: $185; additional fees for work permit and residence permit after arrival)
Validity
Single entry: 3 months; must convert to Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival
Entry
Single entry

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to nationals of all countries who have secured employment in China

  • Employment

    Must have a valid job offer from a Chinese employer. Category A: high-level talent (senior executives, scientists, salary >600k RMB/year). Category B: professional personnel (bachelor's degree + 2 years relevant experience, or salary >4x local average). Category C: other qualifying workers in specific zones or conditions.

    Required status: Confirmed employment offer from Chinese employer

  • Health

    Must pass a medical examination in China after arrival

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Color photo, 33mm x 48mm, white background, bare-head, full face, taken within past 6 months

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA); Form url: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn

  • Degree attestation

    Attesting authority: Chinese Embassy authentication or apostille from home country; Must be apostilled: Yes

  • Health exam

    Panel physician required: Local designated hospital in China; Validity months: 12

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

  • Work permit notification

    Provide work permit approval, notification or authorisation evidence from the relevant authority.

    Issuing authority: As required by issuing authority; Permit number: Work Permit Notification Letter number

  • Criminal record certificate

    Provide a police or criminal record certificate from the country or countries requested by the destination authority.

    Issuing authority: Issuing authority; Validity months: 6

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Chinese employer submits online application for Work Permit Notification Letter through the local Human Resources and Social Security Bureau portal. Includes company documents, employment contract, and applicant credentials.

  2. Online application

    After receiving the Work Permit Notification Letter, complete the COVA form selecting Z visa category.

  3. Document submission

    Submit passport, COVA form, photo, Work Permit Notification Letter, and supporting documents at CVASC or Embassy/Consulate.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay applicable visa fee.

  5. Processing wait

    Standard: 4 business days. Category A applicants may receive expedited processing.

  6. Visa collection

    Collect passport with Z visa. Upon arrival: (1) Register with police within 24 hours, (2) Complete medical examination at designated hospital, (3) Obtain Foreigner's Work Permit Card, (4) Apply for Residence Permit at PSB within 30 days.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (S1 Visa - Long-Term Private/Family Visit)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
4 business days
Fee
$30 USD (varies by nationality; US: $185)
Validity
Single entry; must convert to Residence Permit within 30 days (valid up to duration of sponsor's permit)
Entry
Single entry

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to nationals of all countries

  • Purpose of visit

    Long-term family visit (over 180 days) to join a foreign national family member who holds a valid Chinese Residence Permit

    Includes
    • Long-term family visit (over 180 days)

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Color photo, 33mm x 48mm, white background, bare-head, full face, taken within past 6 months

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Invitation letter from the foreign worker/student residing in China. Must include inviter's full name, contact details, and relationship to applicant.

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA); Form url: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn

  • Previous visa copies

    Must include rejections: No; Years back: 0

  • Relationship evidence

    Minimum evidence items: 1; Relationship type: Spouse, parent, child under 18, or parent-in-law

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain invitation letter from sponsor in China, copies of their passport and residence permit, and original family relationship documents (marriage/birth certificates).

  2. Online application

    Fill in COVA form selecting S1 visa.

  3. Document submission

    Submit all documents at CVASC or Embassy/Consulate.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay applicable visa fee.

  5. Processing wait

    Standard: 4 business days.

  6. Visa collection

    Collect passport with S1 visa. After arrival, register with police within 24 hours and apply for Residence Permit at PSB within 30 days.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (D Visa - Permanent Residence Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
4 business days (permanent residence application itself takes 6+ months)
Fee
$30 USD (varies by nationality; US: $185; additional fees for Permanent Residence Permit after arrival)
Validity
Single entry; convert to Permanent Residence Permit within 30 days (valid 5 years for under-18, 10 years for adults)
Entry
Single entry

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to nationals of all countries who have been approved for permanent residence by China's Ministry of Public Security

  • Financial

    Employment track: annual salary >886,104 RMB with >177,221 RMB annual income tax; Investment track: USD 500K in western regions, USD 1M in central, USD 2M in other areas in encouraged industries

  • Criminal record

    Must have no criminal record and good credit history

  • Health

    Must be in good health as confirmed by medical examination

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Color photo, 33mm x 48mm, white background, bare-head, full face, taken within past 6 months

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Tax records, investment certificates, employment contracts, salary records; Minimum amount: Varies by track: Employment track requires salary >886,104 RMB/year; Investment track requires USD 500K-2M

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA); Form url: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn

  • Health exam

    Panel physician required: Designated hospital in China; Validity months: 6

  • Criminal record certificate

    Provide a police or criminal record certificate from the country or countries requested by the destination authority.

    Issuing authority: Issuing authority; Validity months: 6

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Submit permanent residence application to local Public Security Bureau in China (or through Chinese Embassy if abroad). This is the main application stage requiring extensive documentation. Processing can take 6+ months.

  2. Online application

    After receiving the Foreigner Permanent Residence Confirmation Form from the Ministry of Public Security, apply for D Visa through COVA.

  3. Document submission

    Submit passport, COVA form, and Permanent Residence Confirmation Form at Embassy/Consulate.

  4. Processing wait

    Standard: 4 business days.

  5. Visa collection

    Enter China on D Visa and collect the Foreigner's Permanent Residence ID Card from the local Public Security Bureau within 30 days.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Q1 Visa - Long-Term Family Reunion (Chinese Citizen/Permanent Resident Family))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
4 business days
Fee
$30 USD (varies by nationality; US: $185)
Validity
Single entry; must convert to Residence Permit within 30 days
Entry
Single entry

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to nationals of all countries who are family members of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence in China

  • Purpose of visit

    Long-term family reunion (over 180 days) with Chinese citizen or permanent resident family member

    Includes
    • Long-term family reunion (over 180 days)

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Color photo, 33mm x 48mm, white background, bare-head, full face, taken within past 6 months

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Invitation letter from the Chinese citizen or permanent resident family member in China, including their personal details, relationship to applicant, and purpose of visit

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA); Form url: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn

  • Birth certificate

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

  • Relationship evidence

    Minimum evidence items: 1; Relationship type: Spouse, parent, child, child-in-law, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or parent-in-law of Chinese citizen or permanent resident

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain invitation letter from Chinese family member, their Chinese ID/passport copies, and original family relationship certificates.

  2. Online application

    Fill in COVA form selecting Q1 visa.

  3. Document submission

    Submit all documents at CVASC or Embassy/Consulate.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay applicable visa fee.

  5. Processing wait

    Standard: 4 business days.

  6. Visa collection

    Collect passport with Q1 visa. After arrival, register with police within 24 hours and apply for Residence Permit at PSB within 30 days.

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.